Examining Our Past

An ongoing collaborative project between Upper School students and Bryn Mawr faculty aims to bring Bryn Mawr’s history into sharper focus.

To those in the Bryn Mawr community, the story of the school’s founding is a familiar one: in the late 1800s, five young women banded together to create a college preparatory school for girls. At a time when women were largely considered incapable of undertaking the kind of rigorous study the founders envisioned, this was a radical idea. But thanks to their vision and perseverance, The Bryn Mawr School was created, and continues to offer an exceptional educational to girls today.

This story is true. However, like any other story, there are nuances and complications beyond the surface of this well-known narrative. And, like any institution, Bryn Mawr has evolved and changed over the course of its 133-year history. Today, Bryn Mawr is proud to be a diverse community dedicated to social justice, equality and inclusion. However, the history that has led Bryn Mawr to where it is has not always matched the standards to which we now aspire.

Located in Baltimore, Maryland, The Bryn Mawr School is a private all-girls kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school with a coed preschool for ages 2 months through 5 years. Bryn Mawr provides students with exceptional educational opportunities on a beautiful 26-acre campus within the city limits. Inquisitive girls, excellent teaching, strong student-teacher relationships and a clear mission sustain our vibrant school community where girls always come first.